British and Irish Lions

Rugby clubs across the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland are preparing to open their doors to supporters for the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa.

Clubs at all levels seem to be thinking of ways to entertain their fans and members during the highly-anticipated 10-match tour of the Republic, with big-screen TVs, hog roasts, barbecues and themed parties already being promoted.

For those supporters who aren't able to make the trip to South Africa, there will certainly be plenty of local alternatives when it comes to supporting the Lions against the world champion Springboks.

Guinness Premiership semi-finalists Harlequins are the latest club to announce their plans for the three-match Test series, with the Twickenham Stoop set to play host to a party-style atmosphere for the second Test between the Lions and Boks on June 27.

Quins are charging £10 a ticket for entry to the Stoop, with admission including a complimentary pie and pint, plasma-screen coverage of the match itself and half-time analysis from a Quins player or member of the coaching team.

British & Irish Lions tour manager Andy Irvine has backed Warren Gatland's call to protect his Test side for Saturday by picking a makeshift side to face the Brumbies in Canberra tonight.

Digby Ioane has given the Qantas Wallabies a major boost ahead of the three-match series with the British & Irish Lions after he declared himself fit to feature in the first Test.